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Here goes take #2.  I was almost done with this post and my computer froze.  GRRRR.  I'm so frustrated right now.  

Onto the card. 

Doesn't it make you hungry for good strawberries?  I already can't wait to go strawberry picking.  Around here, that is end of June.  So far away.  Last year I made strawberry freezer jam.  I've made it before, but did my family go crazy for it.  I made 2 batches I was afraid it wasn't going to last.  Some did make it to college with my daughter.  

It might be hard to tell, but the base is Night of Navy.  I like the color, but it's not a go-to color for me.  Especially for the card base.  But in this case, the Night of Navy totally works.  

The only strawberry that is punched out is the one by the sentiment.  The others are stamped directly on the Whisper White and I used the strawberry outline stamp.  It really does define the strawberries. 

                                                                     

I've also been playing with the Hedgehug stamp set.  I'll be posting those the next couple of days.  Hope you enjoy this card.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always, 

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

It's been a great journey since I've joined Stampin' Up.   I've only been a demonstrator since Sept. 2015,  but I've been around Stampin' Up clubs for over 10 years.  It took me that long to take the plunge to become a demonstrator.  I haven't regretted it at all.

One exciting benefit about being a demonstrator is that we get to see the catalogs ahead of everyone else.  They are available online to view about a month before our customers can see them.  We can also order things ahead of time!  By doing this, we can play with the new stamp sets in time to show off our projects when the catalog goes live.  The sneak peaks are great!   I already can't wait to see what the new In-colors will be!  

Have you thought about joining?  During Sale-a-Bration is the absolute best time to join.  Your starter kit contains $125 of product you pick and pay only $99.  Stampin' Up doesn't have a pre-determined starter kit.  They realize that those becoming a demonstrator probably already have a bunch of their products and we don't like to double up on products.  You can pick between the Annual catalog and Occasions catalog. ANYTHING is up for grabs.  It's a perfect way to even get the Big Shot!  

Plus, during SAB, you can choose anyTWO extra stamp sets for FREE.  Again, any stamp set from the Annual or Occasions catalogs are eligible.  And they can be at any cost!  

Oh, the starter kit also ships for FREE.  We all know that is quite a savings right there.  

I would love for you to join me on my Stampin' Up journey.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I'm there to help you out.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Here's a fall card that could be used for any occasion.

I love these days when I don't have to leave the house!  Not even going to get the mail, and took some leftovers out of the freezer for dinner.  Done.  

Back to the Fruit Basket stamp set.  It's just so cute and fun to play with.  Sorry to say I can't help myself when it comes to this set.  This time I didn't use the punch, instead I just stamped on the Whisper White.  By doing this, I could use the bordering image.  It sure helps to define the pear and makes them really stand out.

The ribbon is just tied in a knot, but I tied it really tight to get such a small knot.  I just wanted a small accent, but not to take away from the pears. 

The hardest thing for me is to make a clean stamp with the sentiment.  Why is this the last thing we do?  It would make sense to do it first.  Roughly place the pieces on the card and stamp.  This way if we smudge the sentiment, we can just get another card base and restamp.  By leaving it for the end, it would have to be covered up somehow because removing the rest of the card would be almost impossible.  

Note to self:  Stamp the sentiment on the card base first!

                                                                      

Don't forget SAB is still going on.  Earn stamp sets for FREE with a $50 purchase.  There is no limit to how many items you can get for free.  Go check out the flyer.  I'm sure there are a few things that you will fall in love with.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

Today's recipe has been around my family for many years.   Can't you tell that by the recipe card?  It was written over 30 years ago by now.  I wish I knew who my mom got the recipe from.   

Potato Casserole

2 pound bag frozen hash brown

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can cream or chicken or mushroom soup

1 pint sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

Saute onion in melted butter.  Mix together all the ingredients in large casserole.  Cover with 2 cups crushed corn flakes with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

Bake at 350 covered for 1 1/2 hours.

I don't make this recipe too often, but I when I do, it's yummy.  I've even put all the ingredients and put it in a slow cooker.  I served this at my daughter's graduation party and it was a hit. I made a double recipe and there was hardly any leftovers.   Another name others have called this is Cheesy Potatoes.  That fits too.  

Enjoy the recipe.  I sure do.

Until next time...Stampin' Always

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Winter in Wisconsin...Who's ready for Spring?  The cold doesn't bother me too much, but I'm already done with the snow.  

This card really makes me want to go to a lake.  I love the mountain in the back.  Some people asked how I got the look so big, because the stamp definately isn't.  I stamped two right next to each other then fit another on top.  You have to touch up the ends and then you have a finished mountain.  Love how it turned out.  The color Always Artichoke is not one I tend to gravitate towards, but it really works for the mountain and trees.  I may have to use this color more often.  

I'll tell the story of why the sentiment is in that exact spot.  I had the card completely finished and was wondering if I could use a house amongst the trees.  So I tried a Cherry Cobbler house and it looked horrible.  Ruined the entire card.  I was so mad.  I really liked the card but hated the house.  Absolutely hated it.  At the same time, I didn't want to start all over.  That's when I came up with the sentiment.  It covered the house perfectly.  No one would ever know the house was there.  It's a good lesson for everyone.  Even a mistake can turn into something good.  

The Jute Twine is a little thick on the card.  To get around that, once I used a lot of dimensionals or you can use the foam adhesive strips.  I used them around the outside of the card and by the jute twine.  This left a smooth front look of the card.  What's the use of having a great card if looks bent and battered.  This was a perfect solution.

As always, click on the picture for diimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Need a break from the Fruit Basket stamp set?  Here's a new one.  Hanging Garden.

I specifically purchased this stamp set because I thought the flowers would be fun to use the Stampn' Blends with.  

One part I like the about Stampin' Blends is that when you color with them, they don't leave the lines like normal markers.  There is one thing to remember when using the Stampin' Blends.  They are alcohol based so don't use the normal ink pads, but use Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad.  The Blends won't wash away the Memento ink and it does give a very clear black image.  In this card, we didn't really blend much, but the colors were vibrant and clean.

The card base was from the Tutti Frutti Cards & Envelopes in the SAB catalog.  The people at club really liked using these.  The paper was a little bit thicker than normal cardstock plus the inside was white, not the outside color.  Plus, they are FREE with a $50 order during SAB.

Let me know how I am doing.  On any post, please leave a comment.  I would love to hear your opinions!

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time, Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper